51���� (TSC) welcomed more than 900 high school students from across the Rio Grande Valley to its ITEC Center for the 23rd Annual Education & Career Expo, an event designed to connect students with hands-on training, industry certifications, and high-demand career pathways.

Held in partnership with RGV LEAD, the annual expo highlighted TSC’s role as the region’s workforce training hub. Throughout the day, students explored career and technical education programs, toured labs, met instructors, and participated in interactive demonstrations to better understand postsecondary opportunities available after high school.

“This event allows students to see that a four-year university isn’t the only pathway to success,” said Dr. Angelica Fuentes, Associate Vice President for Workforce Training and Continuing Education at TSC. “Some students are looking for fast-track programs that take just weeks, while others prefer one-year certificates. At TSC, our programs are stackable — students can enter the workforce, gain experience, and return later to continue building their credentials and advancing their careers.”

Among the programs featured was TSC’s NCCER Level 1 and Level 2 Pipefitting program, which prepares students to install, assemble, fabricate, and maintain piping systems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. With continued economic growth at the Port of Brownsville and throughout the region, demand for skilled pipefitters remains high. Students can complete training in as little as 160 hours and move directly into high-paying careers.

The Electrical Technician program also drew significant interest. This 14-week, fast-paced course provides foundational training in residential and commercial electrical work. Students gain experience using the electrical codebook and earn OSHA 10 certification, preparing them to begin work as apprentices and progress toward journeyman and master electrician status.

In addition, TSC highlighted its newest milestone — the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Organizational Management, the College’s first bachelor’s degree program. The versatile degree serves both technical and academic students and supports career advancement in leadership, project management, and business operations, while also preparing graduates for graduate-level study.

By bringing together students, educators, and workforce leaders, the 23rd Annual Education & Career Expo demonstrated 51����’s continued commitment to workforce readiness, economic development, and accessible educational pathways for the Rio Grande Valley.

Building a Young but Ambitious Program at 51����

51���� launched its cross country program with ambitious goals and limited preparation time. Despite being hired late and facing the challenge of building a roster without a traditional recruiting cycle, head coach Basilio Mendoza guided both the men’s and women’s teams to national recognition during the program’s inaugural season.

According to Mendoza, the results exceeded expectations. “Last year we ended up winning the Region 14 championship and finishing 15th in the country on the men’s side,” he said. “On the women’s side, we finished 35th in the country in just two and a half months of work after being hired late with no recruiting process in a brand new cross country program”.

Those achievements laid a strong foundation for future recruiting classes and positioned 51���� as an emerging contender within NJCAA cross country competition.

Why Miley Leal Fits the TSC Cross Country Vision

Leal’s commitment reflects the recruiting philosophy that has quickly become a hallmark of TSC Cross Country. Rather than focusing solely on raw athletic talent, the program prioritizes growth potential, work ethic, and attitude.

“She’s a very driven young lady,” Mendoza said. “She’s not the most naturally talented runner, but hard work beats talent that doesn’t work hard”.

Mendoza noted that Leal’s development over the past year stood out. “She improved from last year; I’ve been tracking her progress,” he explained. “She went from near the back of the pack to placing fourth in the district”.

That progression illustrates the type of upward trajectory 51���� values when evaluating prospective student-athletes. For TSC Athletics, improvement and resilience often signal an athlete’s ability to adapt to the demands of collegiate competition.

Impact Beyond the Course

Leal’s signing also highlights the broader mission of 51���� to provide opportunities for student-athletes to pursue higher education while competing at a high level. As a community-focused institution, TSC emphasizes access, development, and academic success alongside athletic achievement.

For Leal, joining TSC Cross Country represents an opportunity to continue improving as a runner while benefiting from the academic and support resources available at 51����. For the college, her commitment reinforces the belief that dedication and steady improvement can lead to success at the national level.

Looking Ahead for 51���� Cross Country

As the first women’s cross country signee for the 2026 class, Miley Leal sets the tone for future recruiting efforts at 51����. Her signing reflects the program’s values and its confidence in identifying athletes who can grow within the TSC system.

With continued leadership from Coach Mendoza and a clear recruiting philosophy, TSC Cross Country is positioned to build on its early success within NJCAA Region 14 and beyond. The program’s emphasis on work ethic, enthusiasm, and team chemistry suggests that 51���� will remain a competitive and respected presence in NJCAA athletics.

In adding Leal to its roster, 51���� not only strengthens its cross country program but also reaffirms its commitment to developing student-athletes who embody perseverance and pride in representing TSC.

51���� is celebrating a major milestone as two standout student athletes, Miguel Campos and Raul Lopez, officially commit to continuing their academic and athletic careers at four-year universities. Following a successful spell at TSC, both goalkeepers were honored in a joyful signing ceremony surrounded by family, teammates, and coaching staff, an event that showcased the collective pride of the TSC community.

Campos, recognized for his dedication and consistent performance in goal, will transfer to Paul Quinn College. He expressed excitement for the journey ahead, noting, “I’m very happy to be entering a new stage in my life. I’m grateful for this opportunity and ready for the challenges ahead. My goal is to carry the same intensity I had at TSC into my new home at Paul Quinn College and keep growing.”

He reflected on his experience at TSC, adding, “TSC helped me elevate my game. The coaches believed in me and pushed me to get better every day. I came here wanting to make an impact and defend the badge, and I’m grateful for the people I met and everything I learned along the way.”

Coach Mario Zamora praised Campos’s work ethic and determination, saying, “Miguel has always brought a great attitude. He works hard, stays focused, and earned his position through consistency and commitment.”

Lopez, who helped establish TSC’s soccer program in its early years, will continue his athletic and academic career at North American University. Reflecting on his long-held childhood goal, he shared, “I’ve always dreamed of playing soccer at a high level. When I watched my first signing in middle school, I promised myself that one day it would be me. Transferring to North American University shows that the work I put in is paying off, and I’m excited to compete at an even higher level.”

He emphasized the impact TSC had on his development, noting, “TSC played a huge role in shaping me as a player. The coaches supported me every step of the way, during and after practices. Competing in one of the toughest conferences in the country pushed us to match the level of our opponents, and making the playoffs in my last year was a major moment for me and for the program.”

Coach Zamora highlighted Lopez’s leadership and accomplishments, stating, “Raul has been a tremendous student athlete for us. He was our starting goalkeeper for the program’s first two years and earned two conference honors. I’m very proud of him taking this next step.”

Reflecting on both athletes’ achievements, Zamora added, “It’s an honor to help guide their development. We’re proud to support our student athletes as they transfer and continue both their academic and athletic careers.”

The success of Campos and Lopez underscores TSC’s commitment to providing pathways for student athletes to grow, compete, and advance. As the program continues to expand, more Scorpions are expected to follow in their footsteps—strengthening TSC’s reputation as a launching point for athletic and academic achievement.